UK artist Bob Vylan is tuned into the sounds of community and isolation
Merging the twin energies of both British punk and foundational grime, London artist Bobby Vylan is well-versed in music created from a desire to break free.
Through the Bob Vylan project (alongside drummer Bobb13), his direct, no-frills lyricism is delivered against a spiky backdrop of punky instrumentals. It’s a uniquely British collision, crystal-clear delivery meeting tough metal riffs.
Like all artists, Bobby is at home right now. Trying to find avenues for inspiration and creativity within four all-too-familiar walls. He’s also currently featuring as part of Dr Martens Presents – a series identifying grassroots-level artists and amplifying their resilience in this challenging time.
Vylan is the kind of creative who wears his influences proudly and is always working. We caught up with him about the sounds and words which have been keeping him active during the downtime.
As a musician, how has this period of isolation been for you so far?
It’s OK. I’ve been taking time for myself. I’m appreciating what I have in life – the people and things I’m fortunate to have with me at this time. I’ve been skating when I can, reading, writing, experimenting with some new sounds. I’m choosing to focus on the good!
And what about as fan, is there anything you’ve discovered or rediscovered during this period which stands out?
A bunch of stuff! I’ve been re-listening to some albums that I haven’t listened to for a while like Curtis Mayfield’s Curtis and Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. Also keeping up with new releases. JME’s Grime MC, Fred Again and Headie One’s Gang and Westside Gunn’s Pray for Paris.
Two styles that inform your work are grime and punk – do you think there’s an element of seclusion and isolation in these movements?
There’s an element in the sense that they’ve taken place somewhat separate from the genres and subcultures that they grew out of. But really they’re both heavily community-based movements, particularly in the beginning. They rely on a community to grow and develop.
Are there any books or films you’ve found inspiring?
One of the most influential books I’ve ever read in my life and I’m sure for a lot of other people was The Autobiography of Malcolm X, that’s kind of where my reading (outside of school) started. Some other books I enjoyed are; Akala – Natives (everybody should read that book), Noam Chomsky – For Reasons of State, Gil Scott Heron – The Last Holiday, W.E.B Du Bois – The Souls of Black Folk. There’s really too many to list! Same with films…
Do you enjoy making music on your own?
I’m used to it but I also enjoy collaboration when it feels natural. I do the majority of the production but then it really comes together when I get with [drummer] Bobbie and he starts hammering away at the drums and we start to get a real idea of the power in a song or sound that we have.
Are you missing live shows?
It sucks that we’ve had to cancel and postpone certain shows and festivals and we won’t be able to connect with people in the same way until this is over but in the grand scheme of things it’s a minor inconvenience.
For more on Dr Martens Presents click here
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